Subsea bumper sub hydraulic bypass system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping slip joint type subsea bumper sub including three conduit support collars with the first support collar and the second support collar rigidly mounted to a first section of the bumper sub and with the third support collar rigidly mounted to a complementary second section of the bumper sub. A rigid conduit is mounted in fluid conveying relation to the third support collar and mounted in reciprocating relation with the second support collar. A flexible conduit is mounted to the first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to the rigid conduit in fluid conveying relation. The flexible conduit means is formed and shaped to continually exhibit a coil configuration disposed about the bumper sub between the first collar and the second collar.

United States Patent [1 1 Scott 1 Feb. 27, 1973 SUBSEA BUMPER SUB HYDRAULIC BYPASS SYSTEM Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion Assistant Examiner-Richard E. Favreau Att0meyDona1d W. Banner et al.

[57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pres sure past a telescoping slip joint type subsea bumper sub including three conduit support collars with the first support collar and the second support collar rigidly mounted to a first section of the bumper sub and with the third support collar rigidly mounted to a complementary second section of the bumper sub. A rigid conduit is mounted in fluid conveying relation to the third support collar and mounted in reciprocating relation with the second support collar. A flexible conduit is mounted to the first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to the rigid conduit in fluid conveying relation. The flexible conduit means is formed and shaped to continually exhibit a coil configuration disposed about the bumper sub between the first collar and the second collar.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEUFEBZYIW 3,718,183

SHEETIUFZ INVENTOR y 5- 56077 SUBSEA BUMPER SUB HYDRAULIC BYPASS SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION apparatus suitable for conveying fluid under pressure through one or a plurality of conduits past a telescopable bumper sub or slip joint incorporated in a string of drill pipe.

The drill pipe may extend from the subsea well to the floating vessel through a conductor pipe or riser pipe in conventional fashion and the invention includes means for protection of the conduits when installed with a bumper sub within a riser pipe.

Subsea wells and well drilling and well completion equipment related to this invention are shown in U.S. Pats; No. 3,189,098, No. 3,221,817, No. 3,280,908, No. 3,319,981, No. 3,332,484 and No. 3,354,950.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of this invention is to provide fluid under pressure through one or more conduits past a telescopable bumper sub connected into a drill string.

Another object of this invention is to reduce the possibility of breakage or tangling of hydraulic lines or conduits which extend up from a subsea well through a conductor pipe along with a string of drill pipe.

The foregoing and other objects are attained with apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping bumper sub or slip joint when such bumper sub is incorporated in a string of drill pipe disposed within the riser pipe of a subsea well. As shown and described herein, the apparatus includes at least three conduit support collars with the first support collar and the second support collar rigidly mounted to a first section of the telescoping bumper sub and with the third support collar rigidly mounted to a complementary second section of the bumper sub. A rigid conduit means is mounted in fluid conveying relation to the third support collar and mounted in sliding relation to the second support collar and disposed in longitudinal alignment with the bumper sub. A flexible conduit means is mounted to the first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to the rigid conduit means in fluid conveying relation, the flexible conduit means being formed and shaped to exhibit a resilient coil configuration disposed about the bumper sub between the first collar and the second collar. Fluid connection couplings adapted for connection to other fluid conduits may be mounted on the rigid conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus and on the flexible conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a subsea well head connected to a marine vessel through a marine riser pipe having a string of drill pipe including a bumper sub installed in the well and within the riser pipe;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the bumper sub of FIG. 1 showing the bumper sub in extended position and equipped with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is the same view of the bumper sub as shown in FIG. 2 with the bumper sub and attached apparatus in retracted position;

FIG. 4 is a section taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a section taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2, and

FIG. 6 is a section taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a drilling vessel 10 is generally illustrated as floating on a body of water 12. Vessel 10 is shown positioned above a subsea wellhead 14 which is installed on a subsea well casing 16 extending beneath an ocean floor l8. Wellhead 14 is connected to drilling vessel 10 by means of guide cables 20 and 22 in a conventional manner and a riser pipe assembly 24 is connected between drilling vessel 10 and wellhead 14. A string of drill pipe 26 extends from drilling vessel 10 into the subsea well through conductor pipe 24, wellhead 14 and casing 16.

A telescoping bumper sub 28 is incorporated into drill pipe 26 to be extended and retracted in telescoping fashion to accommodate changes in length of drill pipe 26 as may be caused by movement of drilling vessel 10. A conventional telescoping joint (not shown) is also provided in conductor pipe 24 at drilling vessel 10 to accommodate for movement of the vessel.

Various hydraulic control lines or conductors are provided between drilling vessel 10 and subsea wellhead 14 for controlling blowout preventors and other hydraulic equipment. Such lines may be installed within conductor pipe 24 alongside drill pipe 26 and bumper sub 28.

FIG. 2 illustrates a fluid bypass structure of the present invention which serves to provide communication of fluid under pressure through one to several hydraulic lines past a telescoping bumper sub while alleviating the possibility of hindering, tangling or breaking the hydraulic lines at or around the bumper sub and also physically protecting the lines between the bumper sub and the conductor pipe.

As shown in FIG. 2, fluid bypass apparatus 30 is mounted to bumper sub 28 to be operable with the bumper sub as connected with drill pipe 26 and disposed in riser pipe 24 (shown schematically). Bypass 30 is shown as providing connection for two hydraulic control lines 32 and 34 though it will be seen that the bypass apparatus may be adapted to provide connection for one to a plurality of hydraulic lines limited only by space requirements for installation and operation of the related equipment.

Bumper sub 28 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is conventional in design, the only desirable feature being that suitable telescoping sections are available for mounting of the bypass apparatus 30. Operational data for the particular bumper sub shown may be found on page 4,357 of the 1970-71 COMPOSITE CATALOG OF OIL FIELD EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES, Gulf Publishing Co., Houston, Texas, U.S.A. specifically incorporated herein by reference. Bumper sub 28 is seen to comprise a first section identified as upper barrel 36 threadedly connected to a tool joint 38 of drill pipe 26. Upper barrel 36 conventionally houses a splined and telescoping mandrel 40 which is connected to a second section of the bumper sub identified as bottom sub 42. Bottom sub 42 is threadedly connected to a tool joint 38. of drill pipe 26'.

Bypass system 30 is seen to include an upper first support collar 44 rigidly mounted to upper barrel 36, an intermediate second support collar 46 rigidly mounted to upper barrel 36 in spaced apart relation from first support collar 44 and a lower third support collar 48 rigidly mounted to bottom sub 42.

Support collar 44 is equipped with fluid couplers 50 and 52 which are mounted to extend through the support collar with the bores of the couplers disposed in alignment with the axis of bumper sub 28. Support collar 48 is likewise equipped with fluid couplers 54 and 56.

Rigid conduits 58 and 60 are rigidly connected to couplers 54 and 56 and extend along bumper sub 28 from collar 48. Conduits 58 and 60 extend through support collar 46 and are reciprocally mounted within the collar 46 through a support and guide bearing 62 (FIGS. and 6). Bearing 62 may be provided of a suitable low friction plastic material such as nylon, if

desired. The free ends of conduits 58 and 60 are terminated with fluid couplers 64 and 66 which may be supported to move together by a clamp or brace assembly 68. The lengths of conduits 58 and 60 are appropriate to allow the conduits to move freely in bearing 62 of collar 46 when mandrel 40 is moved to a fully extended position from barrel 36 (as shown in FIG. 2) to a fully retracted position within barrel 36 (as shown in FIG. 3).

A flexible conduit 70 of helical or coil shape is disposed about barrel 36 and connected in fluid conveying relation between couplers 50 and 64. A flexible conduit 72 of the same kind is connected in the same manner between couplers 52 and 66.

Flexible conduits 70 and 72 are desirably provided of generally helical or coil shape such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 which are permanently formed during manufacture of the conduits so that the conduits are urged to remain in a helical posture through all positions of mandrel 40 from the fully extended position from barrel 36 to the fully retracted position.

As can be readily seen, the preform ing of conduits 70 and 72 lends a self-storing characteristic to the conduits during reciprocation of bumper sub '28 and thereby serves to retain the conduits from abrasive contact with the conductor pipe 24. Such conduits are commercially available under the general description of self-storing hose."

FIG. 4 shows a preferred construction for collars 44 and 48. As shown, each collar is provided of two complementary parts 74 and 76 which are adapted to be readily installed on a cylindrical member such as barrel 36 and joined by a mortise and tenon arrangement and retained by suitable fasteners 78. Each collar is firmly retained in position by pointed or suitably serrated dies '80 and a set screw 82 or the like. Appropriate recesses are provided in collar part 76 to accommodate the couplings 50 through 52.

Collar 46, as shown in FIG. 5, is of construction similar to collars 44 and 48 with exception that a differently shaped recess is provided to accommodate guide bearing 62.

To facilitate ready and rapid assembly and dis-assembly of the drill string 38, the respective conduits 32 and 34 may be connected to the respective couplings 50-52 by means of quick-disconnect fluid connections 84 as shown.

In operation the bumper sub 28 may be extended or retracted as dictated by movement of vessel 10 and the fluid bypass apparatus 30 as disclosed will accommodate such movement while transmitting fluid at elevated fluid pressures. It is of particular note that there is no tendency for the apparatus to extend longitudinally or pump up from high internal pressures as happens with telescoping type expansion coupling apparatus.

The foregoing description and drawing will suggest other embodiments and variations to those skilled in the art, all of which are intended to be included in the spirit of the invention as herein set forth.

That being claimed is:

1. Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping bumper sub comprising: a first support collar means and a second support collar meansadapted to be rigidly mounted to a first section of said bumper sub; a third support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a telescoping second section of said bumper sub; rigid conduit means rigidly mounted in fluid conveying relation with said third support collar means and mounted in reciprocating relation with said second support collar means and adapted to be disposed in longitudinal alignment with said bumper sub, and flexible conduit means mounted with said first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to said rigid conduit means in fluid conveying relation, said flexible conduit means being previously formed and shaped to exhibit a resilient coil configuration adapted to be disposed about said bumper sub between said first collar means and said second col lar means.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein each collar means comprises two complementary elements joined together and fastened to the bumper sub.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said elements are joined by a mortise and tenon structure jointly defined by said elements.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein each collar means is retained on the bumper sub by die means adapted to be embedded into the surface of the bumper sub.

5. Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping bumper sub comprising: a first support collar means and a second support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a first section of said bumper sub; a third support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a telescoping second section of said bumper sub; rigid conduit means rigidly mounted in fluid conveying relation with said third support collar means and mounted in reciprocating relation with said second support collar means and adapted to be disposed in longitudinal alignment with said bumper sub; flexible conduit means mounted with said first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to said rigid conduit means in fluid conveying relation, said flexible conduit means being previously formed and shaped to exhibit a resilient coil configuration adapted to be disposed about said bumper sub between said first collar means and said second collar means, and fluid connection couplings adapted for connection to other fluid conduits mounted on said rigid conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus and on said flexible conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said fluid connection couplings are quick-disconnect fluid connections.

7. Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping bumper sub comprising: a first support collar means and a second support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted in spaced apart relation along a first section of said bumper sub; a third support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a telescoping second section of said bumper sub; rigid conduit means rigidly mounted in fluid conveying relation with said third support collar means and mounted in reciprocating relation with said second support collar means and adapted to be disposed in longitudinal alignment with said bumper sub, said rigid conduit means being arranged to reciprocate through said second support collar means through the entire telescoping movement of the second section of the bumper sub from full extension from the first section to full retraction into the first section; flexible conduit means mounted with said first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to said rigid conduit means in fluid conveying relation, said flexible conduit means being previously formed and shaped to exhibit a resilient coil configuration adapted to be disposed about said bumper sub between said first collar means and said second collar means.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including quickdisconnect fluid couplings adapted for connection to other fluid conduits mounted on said rigid conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus and on said flexible conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus. 

1. Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping bumper sub comprisiNg: a first support collar means and a second support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a first section of said bumper sub; a third support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a telescoping second section of said bumper sub; rigid conduit means rigidly mounted in fluid conveying relation with said third support collar means and mounted in reciprocating relation with said second support collar means and adapted to be disposed in longitudinal alignment with said bumper sub, and flexible conduit means mounted with said first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to said rigid conduit means in fluid conveying relation, said flexible conduit means being previously formed and shaped to exhibit a resilient coil configuration adapted to be disposed about said bumper sub between said first collar means and said second collar means.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein each collar means comprises two complementary elements joined together and fastened to the bumper sub.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said elements are joined by a mortise and tenon structure jointly defined by said elements.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein each collar means is retained on the bumper sub by die means adapted to be embedded into the surface of the bumper sub.
 5. Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping bumper sub comprising: a first support collar means and a second support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a first section of said bumper sub; a third support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a telescoping second section of said bumper sub; rigid conduit means rigidly mounted in fluid conveying relation with said third support collar means and mounted in reciprocating relation with said second support collar means and adapted to be disposed in longitudinal alignment with said bumper sub; flexible conduit means mounted with said first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to said rigid conduit means in fluid conveying relation, said flexible conduit means being previously formed and shaped to exhibit a resilient coil configuration adapted to be disposed about said bumper sub between said first collar means and said second collar means, and fluid connection couplings adapted for connection to other fluid conduits mounted on said rigid conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus and on said flexible conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said fluid connection couplings are quick-disconnect fluid connections.
 7. Apparatus for conveying hydraulic fluid under pressure past a telescoping bumper sub comprising: a first support collar means and a second support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted in spaced apart relation along a first section of said bumper sub; a third support collar means adapted to be rigidly mounted to a telescoping second section of said bumper sub; rigid conduit means rigidly mounted in fluid conveying relation with said third support collar means and mounted in reciprocating relation with said second support collar means and adapted to be disposed in longitudinal alignment with said bumper sub, said rigid conduit means being arranged to reciprocate through said second support collar means through the entire telescoping movement of the second section of the bumper sub from full extension from the first section to full retraction into the first section; flexible conduit means mounted with said first support collar in fluid conveying relation and connected to said rigid conduit means in fluid conveying relation, said flexible conduit means being previously formed and shaped to exhibit a resilient coil configuration adapted to be disposed about said bumper sub between said first collar means and said second collar means.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including quick-disconnect fluid couplings adapted for connection to other fluid conduits mounted on said rigid conduit means exteriorLy of the apparatus and on said flexible conduit means exteriorly of the apparatus. 